Russia has ordered Germany to close its Consulate-General in St. Petersburg as diplomatic tensions between Moscow and Berlin escalate.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said the German consulate must cease operations by September 18, with all employees required to leave Russia by the same date.
The move comes in retaliation for Germany’s decision to close the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House cultural center in Berlin.
Germany announced those measures after accusing Russia of being responsible for an attempted drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport on August 4. An explosives-laden drone was discovered near a Ukrainian aircraft at the airport and was later defused. Russia has denied involvement and rejected Germany’s allegations.
Russia has also ordered Germany’s Goethe-Institut cultural centers in the country to cease operations, with their staff required to leave Russia by September 13.
The Russian Foreign Ministry blamed Berlin for the latest deterioration in relations, saying Germany had triggered a new round of escalation between the two countries.
Germany, meanwhile, criticised Moscow’s decision, describing the closure of its St. Petersburg consulate as a “regrettable mistake” that would make a return to constructive relations more difficult. (Newswire)